Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp still shows support for Ryan Braun – MLB News
The Los Angeles Dodgers' outfielder Matt Kemp was beaten by the Milwaukee Brewers’ centre-fielder Ryan Braun for last year’s National League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
However, Ryan Braun later tested positive for a banned substance as his MVP recognition was at stake. At this point in time, the Dodgers’ six-year veteran Kemp was considered a potential beneficiary if the MLB would have banned Ryan for 50 games due to using PED.
Not only Braun’s MVP award would have taken from him but subsequently Matt Kemp would have become the new National League MVP.
Though Braun came out receiving a clean sheet from Major League Baseball management, but he still appreciates the support Kemp showed for him.
Recently he spoke in the media and told reporters that Kemp has always been a dear friend and the level of support he showed for me despite all those allegations of banned drugs, still reminds me his earnestness.
"That he supported me spoke volumes about his character, for who he is, for what he represents, I think, at this point, he is almost becoming the face of baseball. His opinion is relevant to me. It's relevant to everybody. The fact that he supported me really meant the world to me then, and it continues to mean a lot to me today,” Braun said.
Braun won the last year’s NL MVP award with a .332 hitting average.
On the stats table Matt Kemp and Ryan Braun are somewhat quite near. Braun ousted Kemp in NL MVP’s race whose .324 hitting average was second best in the NL.
Braun later also commented on Kemp’s last year’s performance, “I think the main reason I won the award last year was because we had a better team than the Dodgers had, I honestly thought Matt had a better season than I did.”
Meanwhile, both Braun and Kemp are planning to take mid season break and are busy scheduling their respective trips with their families. However, this is a healthy sign when players share their feelings in the media and try to object a compassionate gesture especially towards their league-mates.
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